In the bustling international cricket schedule of 2023, Australia secured their historic sixth ODI World Cup triumph by defeating India in the final at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium on November 19 (Sunday). As the year concludes, let’s reflect on several eminent cricketers who bid farewell to either one or all formats of international cricket. This noteworthy list comprises World Cup champions and revered figures in the sport, each leaving behind a legacy of remarkable records in the international cricketing realm.
Stuart Broad
Stuart Broad, the seasoned England fast bowler with over 600 Test wickets to his name, has officially concluded his international cricket journey. Announcing beforehand that the Ashes 2023 would mark his farewell series, the 37-year-old bid adieu. His departure leaves a void in the formidable pace bowling duo he once formed with James Anderson. Remarkably, Anderson, at 41, still graces the cricket field for the Three Lions and boasts an impressive tally of 690 Test wickets.
Quinton de Kock
Quinton de Kock, the prominent South African wicketkeeper-batsman, has opted to restrict his international appearances to T20Is. The cricketing community was taken aback by his announcement to retire from ODIs at the age of 30. Despite being in impressive form, notably amassing 594 runs in his final international assignment, the ICC Men’s ODI World Cup 2023, de Kock chose to step away. With his decision, he concludes his ODI career after 155 matches, contributing a total of 6,770 runs to South African cricket.
Sunil Narine
In 2023, Sunil Narine, the esteemed West Indies all-rounder, declared his retirement from international cricket. While his international career encompassed 6 Tests, 65 ODIs, and 51 T20Is, Narine left an enduring impact, particularly in limited-overs formats. Despite stepping away from international duty, he remains an active participant in various global leagues, including the IPL, where his contributions played a pivotal role in Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) clinching the title in 2012 and 2014. Notably, Narine also played a crucial role in West Indies securing their T20 World Cup title in 2012, marking their first world title since the 1979 World Cup.
Meg Lanning
In 2023, Meg Lanning, the iconic Australian cricketer, gracefully retired from international cricket. Her remarkable career, spanning 241 matches, witnessed the acquisition of seven World Cup titles, including two ICC Women’s World Cups and five ICC Women’s T20 World Cups. Lanning, with over 8,000 international runs to her credit, established herself as an adept leader in white-ball cricket, leaving an indelible mark on the sport.
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Alex Hales
In the current year, England’s Alex Hales officially announced his retirement from international cricket. His standout performance on the global stage occurred in the T20 World Cup 2022 semifinal against India, where he played a memorable unbeaten innings of 86 off 47 balls, propelling the team into the finals, ultimately securing victory. Hales, who missed out on being part of the 2019 World Cup-winning England squad due to a failed recreational drugs test, faced the repercussions of losing the trust of then-captain Eoin Morgan, resulting in his exclusion from the team. Retiring after featuring in 11 Test matches, 70 ODIs, and 75 T20Is, Hales leaves behind a cricketing journey with distinct highs and challenges.